Big Five
Cape Town safari options

Game Parks and Wildlife Reserves Cape Town

Big Five Cape Town safaris are becoming increasingly popular. They’re a great option if you don’t want to venture too far from the city. And with increasing interest in wildlife safaris, there are more and more on offer for you!

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Were you hoping for a Big 5 National Park in Cape Town? I’m sorry to have to disappoint you! The nearest is Addo Elephant National Park near Port Elizabeth, some 800km distant. It’s an hour's flight away or an enjoyable drive up the Garden Route.

Maybe a combination tour is an option for you? Fly into Cape Town and see the city, drive up and enjoy the Garden Route and then visit Addo before flying home direct from Port Elizabeth.

(Whet your appetite here with my Big Five pics!)

If the Eastern Cape isn’t part of your plan, there are a number of private game reserves near Cape Town that may cater to your requirements.

Big Five Cape Town game reserves -- closest to furthest

Aquila Game Reserve is the smallest of the private game reserves and the closest to Cape Town. They are pretty organised with shuttles that collect from city hotels and are the only park that offers a day safari from Cape Town.

They also cater for overnight safaris and fly in safaris from Cape Town. I’d recommend them as the best family safari near Cape Town.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve near Montague is about 2 ½ hours’ drive from Cape Town, en route to Oudtshoorn. It is the largest of these private reserves and is surrounded by spectacular Fold Mountains. It is home to a pride of white lions, not to mention all the other game! You can game watch from open vehicles or join your guide on foot.

There’s an added bonus – they have a luxurious spa to help soothe away your stresses...

The Garden Route Game Lodge is about 3 ½ hours’ drive, en route to Knysna. Again one of the smaller reserves, in my opinion they offer outstanding value for money. If you’re looking for a Big Five budget safari, they might fit your bill.

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve -- have you heard about the elephant back safaris near Cape Town? This is the place! They are about 4 hours drive from Cape Town, just beyond Mossel Bay, again en route to Knysna. That makes them the closest reserve to shark cage diving and the Garden Route beaches!